AUSTIN -- Today’s release of a Gallup study of uninsured state populations shows Texas maintains the highest rate of uninsured in the nation. The study, which took place daily in 2012, reveals that 28.8 percent of Texas adults lack health care coverage.

The following statement is a response from the Texas Hospital Association, which may be attributed to Dan Stultz, M.D., FACHE, FACP, THA president/ chief executive officer:

“Uninsured patients still require health care, and a growing uninsured population strains hospitals, taxpayers, and the insured. An uninsured workforce draws additional concern for what it says about the state’s ability to compete. By expanding Medicaid, however, Texas employers can ensure increased access to primary care, which promotes increased workplace efficiency and decreased morbidity and mortality.”

While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid to decrease uncompensated care provided by hospitals, state leaders have the option to expand Medicaid and relieve the pressure uncompensated care places on the private market.

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85% of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ more than 369,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/texashospitals.